​Norgate Xwemélch'stn Community Elementary School, located near Norgate Park, has played a central role in our neighborhood since 1951 when the school was established. We have an enrolment of 131 children this year.

Our staff is dedicated to academic excellence, and the social, emotional and physical well-being of students. We believe a child’s learning is enhanced by quality attention, daily physical activity and exposure to the Arts. With this in mind, we strive to enrich learning opportunities with a broad and balanced curriculum that can appeal to the many interests and aptitudes of our students. Our unique, culturally diverse school population is, in itself, an enriching environment for expanding student horizons.

As one of the few community schools in North Vancouver, we are able to offer many valued services including before and after school supervision in the computer lab, a wide variety of after school programs for children, spring break and summer camps, and community programs.

The Community

Norgate Xwemélch'stn Community School is situated south of Marine Drive in a quiet residential community that consists almost entirely of single family dwellings and town home complexes.  Our catchment area includes the Squamish Nation Capilano Reserve Land, which is just to the west of the Norgate community, as well as the new Lions Gate Village development.

Commercial establishments including restaurants and shopping centres, surround us.  The Norgate community is therefore somewhat isolated and sheltered.  The closest public recreation facilities and library are a distance away.  Despite this, there is a strong sense of community spirit and parental support. Norgate School Community Programs fills that gap for the families and students of our neighbourhood by offering itself as a community “hub”.

“Community” School

Norgate Elementary School received official designation as a community school in 1996.  Community schools, by designation, assure that processes are in place to develop and maintain programs - services - events.  In addition, processes are also in place to empower the community to satisfy needs and provide life long learning opportunities for everyone.

Community Education is a concept that advocates a process for empowering citizens in a community to address local needs.  The underlying values and principles are guided by practices such as:

·         Inclusiveness

·         Self-determination and self-help

·         Shared resources

·         Leadership development

·         Lifelong learning

·         Integrated services

·         Responsiveness

·         Neighbourhood-based action

·         Sustainability

A community school, consisting of students, parents, community residents, and school staff, strives towards bringing the school and community closer together.  We envision a process of voluntary cooperation and mutual aid among the residents of the Norgate community aimed at the creation of improved physical and social conditions.

Norgate is committed to providing services centered on the vast needs of a growing multicultural society and the vast needs of the age groups from youth to seniors, regardless of abilities, race or economic status.

As a unique community, Norgate relies on the strong backbone and working relations of the Squamish Nation, Parent Advisory Committee and private and public agencies.  Each is devoted to the principles of the community school.

We would like to recognize and thank the North Vancouver District #44 School Board and the Ministry of Education for their financial support.